The game against Paul Cook non-leaguers could potentially allow head coach John Mousinho to reshuffle his pack as he concentrates on maintaining the Blues’ place at the summit of League One.
That’s something the Pompey boss has experimented with in recent games, with match-winner Terry Devlin’s surprise inclusion from the start at Reading last week proving the Blues possess the resources and quality within their ranks to keep opponents guessing.
But with Mousinho insisting he’s taking his very first FA Cup game as a manager seriously, there’ll be no tinkering for the sake of it.
He told The News: ‘We’ll be taking it very seriously and we’ll be strong in terms of the line-up.
‘We’ve had a week leading into this. We don’t have a league game for six days afterwards. I know we’ve got the game on Tuesday night (against Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy) but we want to take this game in isolation first before we look at anything in terms of team selection for Tuesday.
‘So, yeah, we’ll be approaching it as seriously as we approach a league game.’
Add the fact that Pompey will be looking to avoid the embarrassment of losing to a non-league side live of national television will also be on the Blues boss’ mind heading into the Proact Stadium encounter.
So what can we expect from Mousinho selection-wise ahead of this weekend’s Cup clash with the Spireites?
Well, this is how we think they’ll line up with the added luxury of having nine substitutes on the bench.
17. Sub 5: Tino Anjorin
The Chelsea loanee showed his undoubted quality with a beautifully struck goal against Reading last Saturday. Anjorin is clearly benefitting from more game time. But this particular game might just suit Kamara better than him. Expect him back in the team to face Charlton, though. Photo: Jason Brown
18. Sub 6: Ryley Towler
After a flying start to his Pompety career, the former Bristol City centre-back is having to take a back seat now as Poole and Shaughnessy continue to grow as a central defensve pair. Is back on the bench, though, with teams allowed to name nine substitutes for FA Cup games. Photo: Jason Brown
19. Sub 7: Gavin Whyte
The Northern Ireland international might have to wait for his chance of a recall as fellow countryman Lane stamps his authority down Pompey's right flank. Photo: Jason Brown
20. Sub 8: Christian Saydee
The Fratton favourite has new competition for that No10 role in Terry Devlin. Photo: Jason Brown